Public Safety Employee of the Month

April 2018

Public Safety Employee of the Month - Detective Micheal Bender

The Novi Public Safety Administration would like to extend their appreciation and congratulations to Detective Michael Bender on his nomination and selection as the Novi Public Safety Employee of the Month – April 2018. Detective Bender was nominated by Detective Sergeant Kevin Gilmore and selected by the Implementation Committee for his professionalism, thoroughness and relentless follow-up on a recent criminal sexual conduct investigation.

On January 9, 2018, Detective Bender was called in while he was off duty to assist with an investigation. It had been reported that a 15 year old, autistic, male had been sexually assaulted by a 54 year old male who he met in an online chat room. Within hours of the assault, Detective Bender was able to determine the location where the suspect was temporarily living and make an arrest based upon probable cause. Once the suspect was brought to the police department, Detective Bender conducted a thorough and detailed interview and obtained a complete confession. Additionally, Detective Bender was able to get the suspect to admit to a prior sexual act with the same victim months earlier. Detective Bender’s investigation included meticulous forensic interviews, as well as biological and electronic evidence recovery and processing.

On March 29, 2018, the suspect pled guilty to four counts of criminal sexual conduct in the third degree and was sentenced to 5 to 15 years in State Prison. The suspect is not eligible for parole until 2023 and will not be released until 2033 if he serves his full sentence.

Detective Michael bender continually exemplifies the City of Novi Police Department’s Mission, Vision and Values, with relentless follow-up and assessment of all cases assigned to him. As one of our most skilled investigators, Detective Bender is a true asset to our Public Safety team. We applaud him on his work ethic, attention to detail, and investigative skills. The Public Safety Administration joins all fire and police personnel congratulate Detective Michael bender on being named Public Safety Employee of the Month – April, 2018.